5 Ways to Overcome Food Cravings

154 Comments

Hiya Gorgeous,

You know the triggers. The pint of ice cream calling you from the freezer. The chocolate chip cookies taunting you from the kitchen counter. The nachos gnawing away at your willpower during happy hour. But, is it the food that’s pestering you? Of course not—it’s cravings.

We all have them, but do we really understand why? And more importantly, do we know how to tame them? In the past, I’ve been so deeply under the spell of my cravings that I’ve sprayed Windex on my Ben & Jerry’s (after throwing it in the garbage, because it was the only way I’d stop myself from pulling the darn pint out of the trash so I could keep eating it!).

You probably already know that food cravings can have little to do with hunger, but you may not be aware of how they work. Cravings have both biological and psychological components. The most common foods we crave are sugar, carbohydrates, chocolate, salt and, for some, cheese. But before we walk through the main causes of these cravings and a few helpful tips for overcoming them, I want to tell you about a workshop I’m offering at no cost for a limited time.

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5 Causes of Food Cravings

Leptin Resistance

Leptin is a hormone your body produces in your fat tissue. It’s primary job is to stimulate your appetite and tell you when you’re full. This all works fine when your stomach and your brain are in the same reality. But, the problem starts when constant surges of leptin trick your brain into feeling hungry, even when you’re not.

What causes this? One culprit is having too much body fat—more fat means more leptin is produced. Another cause is eating a diet high in sugary foods and processed carbs. The sugar triggers your fat cells to release surges of leptin. Whatever the reason, constant surges of leptin can lead to leptin resistance, which creates a feedback loop and further dulls your ability to perceive your real appetite. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to keep a normal balance of leptin in your body and, therefore, reduce your chances of being swept away by cravings (study).

Low levels of serotonin

Serotonin is a “feel-good” neurotransmitter produced mainly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It’s directly tied to our mood, appetite and digestion. Eating carbs and sugar increases the release of serotonin (study), making us feel fabulous (temporarily). So, when our levels are low, our brains think, “Oh! That candy bar or bagel is going to fix this!”

A low serotonin level can be due to a variety of things, including poor gut health (90% of serotonin is made in the gut), alcohol consumption (study), depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I don’t know about you, but I’m much more vulnerable to sugar and crappy carbohydrate cravings when I’m feeling down in the dumps.

Endorphins and Food Addiction

Eating sugary foods, and even salt (hello, chips!), increases the production of endorphins in your body (study). Endorphins are basically opiates that make us feel relaxed. So when we eat these foods and experience this feeling, we want more—similar to the way drug users get addicted to narcotics. In fact, a recent study shows that sugar can actually have a more intense feeling of reward than cocaine (study). It’s that powerful.

This is why the drug Naloxone (an opiate-blocker given to stop heroin and other narcotics from affecting the brain) also blocks the appeal and overeating tendencies for sugar, fat and chocolate (study). Another recent study looking at the addictive qualities of foods found that highly processed foods that are filled with fat and sugar can cause addictive eating because of their rapid rate of absorption (study). So the more you can avoid packaged and processed foods, the more control you’ll have over your food choices.

A wonky gut

As mentioned earlier, low serotonin levels are linked to cravings, and your gut is the epicenter of serotonin production. In order to maintain feel-good levels of serotonin, your gut needs to be in tip-top shape so it can absorb nutrients from your food and pump out serotonin through your gastrointestinal tract.

This process is greatly dependent on healthy levels and the proper balance of good bacteria. But when your diet isn’t very healthy, the bad bacteria can overpower the good guys, creating more food cravings! Cultivating a healthy balance of good bacteria by eating fermented foods, taking probiotics and embracing other gut-happy habits can create the intestinal peace necessary to calm your cravings.

Emotional Triggers

This is a biggie. Sadness, boredom, stress, poor self-esteem, negative body image (and the list goes on) can prompt you to cruise the pantry. Who doesn’t want a sleeve of Oreos when they look back on a painful breakup, losing a job or just having a bad day?

I refer to this as phantom hunger. But since food cravings are often fleeting and disappear within an hour, choosing to eat a healthier food or opting for a mood-boosting activity can satisfy you till the craving passes.

Now, let’s discuss some more strategies for how to stop food cravings…

5 Tips for Tackling Food Cravings

1. Stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking about half your body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily (if you’re 140 lbs, drink 70 oz of water a day). Thirst and dehydration make you feel hungry, and may kick up your food cravings. Drink water throughout the day to help you stay hydrated and control your hunger. Add a little lemon to your water or switch things up by making a cup of tea. Finish things up with some oil pulling.

2. Avoid sugary foods and processed carbs. To prevent leptin surges and blood sugar crashes that pump up your appetite, avoid processed carbs and sweets as much as possible. Sometimes the healthy protein in a handful of almonds or sunflower seeds is enough to help steer you away from the sugary foods. And you can still enjoy tasty treats, just whip them up with lower sugar, higher fiber and higher protein ingredients, like dark chocolate, almond flour, cassava flour and bean flours. These ingredients won’t trigger cravings and feed an appetite that just won’t quit.

3. Exercise and stay rested. Rather than relying on French fries and cookies to help you feel relaxed and happy, go for a brisk walk during the day and get into bed a little earlier in the evening. These habits produce endorphins just like the best tasting truffles on the planet. Plus, the exercise may boost your serotonin levels—something that should help you skip sugar and extra carbs more easily, too. And have you ever noticed that your food cravings seem to increase during PMS? As your hormone levels fluctuate, cravings can start to increase — so getting in a workout and some quality sleep are totally key during that time of the month too.

4. Make meditation and sunshine a priority. Taking a few minutes every day to meditate and getting 10-15 minutes a day of sunshine or light therapy may boost serotonin levels so you’re not reaching for Snickerdoodles to turn your mood around. Want to give it a try? Grab my free Pep Talk meditation—you’ll love it! If I’m still looking for a little more relaxation, I’ll practice some EFT, get it all out in my journal, or I’ll watch something that makes me feel all happy inside.

5. Avoid trigger foods for 21 days. Your taste buds have a fantastic memory! If you really want to break food cravings, one of the best ways is to avoid eating those foods for a set period of time. Find healthier options to grab when you’re craving candy, cheese or chips—stuff like low-glycemic smoothies and desserts, fresh berries, guacamole or hummus with veggies or rice crackers, raw cashews and nut “cheese”. You can also incorporate more fermented foods which are good for your gut, like homemade kefir and kombucha. Keep these healthy foods on hand, and try to think about it like you’re adding in, rather than taking out. And here’s the best news — your taste buds will actually change over time. Your body will start to crave the healthy, whole foods once you begin to make them your new habit. The junk just won’t taste the same!

Most importantly, you gotta go easy on yourself. Trust that your cravings will fade, ride the wave, and you will build new, healthier habits.

Does all this mean you should say buh-bye to birthday cake, French fries and bagels—no, sir! But if you feel like your food cravings are running your life, I hope understanding them and trying these tips will put you back in the driver’s seat again.

Your turn: What’s your go-to craving curber? Let me know in the comments below—it’s a space where we can all learn from each other and share our tricks. Oh! Here’s one more tip: brush your teeth, floss and gargle. Basically, close up shop. I don’t know about you but I’m less likely to scarf stuff down after I’ve taken care of some chomper hygiene.

Peace & progress,

P.S. Want some cooking tips for the big day?

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154 Responses…

I found that EFT is great for reducing cravings. And now there is a study out apparently (don’t know the link, but can be searched, no doubt) that says that on top of everything else EFT does, it also increases those lovely endorphins.

I’ve noticed that my cravings have completely decreased after doing a 4-month Candida cleanse and colonics/hydrotherapy.

From what I understand, you can never really ‘clear’ out Candida from the gut (and you don’t want to, because in it’s healthy form it’s good for the body, only when it’s in its fungus form can it create problems).

It sits in the gut and just wants sugar and carbohydrates and all that junk. Ever-since I finished the cleanse, as well as around 10 colonics/hydrotherapy cleanses, I just hardly have any cravings.

Other than that, the Candida cleanse also cleared up a major eczema I had on my whole right hand (I had it for almost a year and a half and tried tons of natural and conventional treatments). It is known that the intestinal tract and our skin are in close connection. After 2-months through the Candida cleanse my eczema disappeared, it was just amazing!!

I’m also on a candida cleanse for the moment. I didn’t have any carbs in the first 2 weeks but I was losing too much weight so I started adding the gluten-free ones again. And now my carb cravings are back, just binged on some rice crackers. I know, not as bad as chocolate/sugary things or cheese (those I don’t miss at all) but I have the feeling they’re upsetting my gut just as well…

Since there are so many methods I will ask: which type of candida diet did you do? I suppose you took antifungals etc as well (I just started mine now in week 4), are there any foods you are going to give up on “forever”? I was thinking I can probably never eat anything with yeast or (refined) sugar again. Not sure yet about fruit, dairy and gluten.

I definitely feel better already energy and craving wise but I’m hoping my intestinal issues will clear out soon, too, since those are not under control yet 🙁

Cheers
Em

And thanks Kris for writing the perfect article at the perfect time, as always lately, the universe is giving me what I asked for 🙂

Hi, just wondering WHY on earth you would think about giving up fruit? Fruit is abundant in vitamins! Our bodies need certain things to function on a healthy level: A balance of Protein, fat, carbs. Protein can come from a variety of sources other than meat (if you eat meat then only eat grass fed organic, organic poultry, wild caught fish – otherwise the meat is doing you harm from the chemicals, drugs, hormones, GMO’s) such as Kale, quinoa, edamame, Kale, spinach, nuts & nut butter, and many others. Healthy fat sources (you need fat in your diet every day to absorb the fat soluble vitamins) are nuts, avocado, olive oil. Healthy carb sources are fruit and veggies. Please forget everything the media has ever said about “diets” and “losing weight”, as it has confused people SO much over the years, they don’t know WHAT to eat! If you stay away from fake food (fast food, processed food) & go back to the basics: Fruits & Veggies! Meat in small amounts is fine (organic), wild caught fish, nuts & seeds, your body will gravitate naturally to a healthy weight. I’m not one of the people who are naturally skinny – I HAVE to exercise at least 3 times a week (I usually at least walk 5 times a week – around my neighborhood while returning phone calls, at the beach, go for a hike, etc.) and eat healthy foods. But because I do, I never count calories or fat, because I’m eating clean, healthy, organic food. So – if I keep the organic red wine in check 😉 I’m always at a healthy weight! Check out some amazing raw food recipe’s on a few of my fav Youtube channels: fullyrawkristina & Markus Rothkranz. I also have a bunch of yummy recipe’s on my blog: livingorganicallywithjayna.com (I’m not selling anything, just trying to help people live healthier lives!). Some of the recipe’s are SO quick, EZ and delicious, you won’t believe it! Also, to keep motivated, read what this website often, watch food documentaries (Fat, sick and nearly dead, Food Matters & Supersize me are good ones to start) and just keep educating yourself. You will slowly lose the taste for crappy food – your tastebuds will re-set very quickly! Hope this helps! -J. Carter Certified Holistic Nutritionist

The reason to give up fruit (just temporarily) to clear Candida is because it contains fructose, i.e. sugar, since Candida feeds on any kind of sugar, and also anything fermented, like vinegar, and funghi, or mushrooms. Once the Candida is gone or greatly decreased, these foods can be added back slowly.

That’s so interesting to hear that you had eczema on your right hand too! I’ve had it for years and nobody can give me any help for it except to say “use good lotion.” I’ve recently started a “clean eating” diet, eliminating a bunch of foods to see what my triggers are, but I’ve never considered a Candida cleanse. I’m going to have to look that up ASAP!

Brush your teeth! It can stave off the need to eat until your craving has a chance to die down. And as you mentioned above, tea (peppermint is a favorite — maybe for the same reason as toothpaste?) calms cravings. Also, someone once gave me the advice: if you find yourself craving something, and you are not hungry or more likely thirsty (just wanting), then you probably need to sleep! Go to bed! 🙂 All those work for me. Unless they don’t… :-/

I agree with you Barbara. Brushing & flossing my teeth signals by body & brain that I am finished eating, plus I don’t want to eat then have to go brush & floss again if I think about cheating or giving in to a craving.

Often people think that a craving will just keep getting worse and worse unless you give in to it. We need to practice “urge surfing” and riding the craving wave! A wave peaks and then subsides, just like a craving will. Practise mindfulness or distraction techniques to push through. It will get easier and you will feel heaps better for not giving in!!

Alaina 🙂 urge surfing sounds great, but right now my cravings are so intense , the peak is a plateau of at least an hour, excruciating ! My evenings are reduced to doing nothing , and i have stopped eating overt sugars 12 days ago..

Jane, you are right. Urge surfing does sound great but the research on will power has shown that it is a finite resource and if you have used up your will power throughout the day on other things, it is extremely difficult to urge surf. Urge surfing requires the thinking part of the brain to overpower the non-thinking part of the brain and that can sometimes be impossible. Cutting out sugar is the best thing you can do because it will eventually reduce the cravings from the non-thinking part of the brain, especially if you have made it automatic to just not eat sugar. Automaticity is the solution to the lack of willpower. In my opinion anyway ? I highly recommend researching bright line eating if cravings have brought you to your knees on a regular basis… it has helped me so much. In addition to the info from Kris of course!

These are all great tips. Staying away from a food for 21 days can totally change how a food tastes to you, especially if you want to get off the fast food bandwagon. I use the flossing brushing your teeth activity because I do not want to eat anything and have to do it again! A cup of chai tea tastes soooo good! I have been on chemo for 4 years and it can totally change your taste buds and staying away from cookies, bread, high sugar fruits has made a huge difference in how I look at food. Moving toward more vegetarian/veggies makes a difference also. Fresh fruits and veggies taste really good when you stay away from the “junk”. Thank you Kris for all you do to educate us and make it FUN!

Magnesium. My life-long sugar cravings disappeared when I started a regime to increase my magnesium intake. If I stop, the cravings and other symptoms return (headaches, foot and leg cramps, etc). I have never had a day without sugar cravings until I started increasing my magnesium intake.

Thank you for this, sweet Kris!
As always, this was refreshing and arrived in perfect timing.
Just yesterday a friend and I were discussing our seemingly insatiable food cravings! Ahh…
For about a month, I’ve basically eaten whatever I wanted (minus meat bc I’m a vegetarian). And of course I feel terrible, I absolutely know better (!!!), and my skin is starting to show signs of a toxic diet. But still, once you hop on the junk food train, it’s tough to jump off.
I’ve discovered that the best solution to this is to just empty the house of temptation and cut out the junk for 2-3 days (the hardest) cold turkey, plus some sweaty workouts, and then my cravings for green smoothies can sing louder than my hankering for salty foods. I think it’s time to commit to another Adventure Cleanse via Crazy Sexy Diet. It always works for me and helps get my skin, my intentions, and my waistline back on track. Thanks Kris for your brilliance, understanding, and light!!

Hi there! Such good tips. I also wanted to let you know that I reposted Kris’ facebook post that was “what if your purpose is to take impeccable care of yourself so that you have the energy and joy to serve others?”. It turns out a good friend of mine wrote back: that is just what I needed at this moment. thanks Julie.

So I thought Kris would feel good to know her posts do help others just when they needed that special word to uplift them.
🙂
Julie

Your body will also start to crave whole foods once you begin to make them your new habit. For example, if I have not jad a green juice for a few days, my body craves that quick shot of whole food goodness. I know it sounds strange. I never thought my chips, donuts, and soda loving body would ever want anything else. But with time, the body can relearn what it craves. Until then, you just have to make the right decisions on its behalf

This is very true for me as well! Once I adapted to a plant based lifestyle my energy and focus increased and I no longer craved French fries and fried foods. However after a recent emotional/stress induced episode in my life I turned back to comfort foods. It has been much more difficult than I thought transitioning back to the PBL even after such a short period of time of indulging. ( were talking a week..max 2 weeks.. and not even every meal.) The best thing is to continue through the cravings and the body will adjust accordingly.

Yay, Yay and Yay again! I am an integrative health coach and your articles and books are an absolute necessity for me. A good friend of mine is on the cancer healing journey and this blog post along with others is a major help.
Thank you lovely and inspiring lady!
Maria

Excellent information and so well written. Over the past couple of years I have personally done all of the things suggested in your post. I feel the best that I have ever felt and know that it works. I highly recommend this to everyone that wants to feel better ☺

What timing! I read this right after making a batch of chocolate chip cookies “for my husband” and then eating 4 of them…less than an hour after breakfast. I didn’t know why till I read your post. It makes perfect sense. I’ll work on raising my seratonin levels in a healthier way. Bless you.

After realizing I have a dairy allergy, giving up cheese (good bye pizza) was the hardest craving to kick. Vegan alternatives did NOT do the trick. It took 4 years for me to stop having cravings. I still want pizza every now and then, but I’m no longer terrified of going into a pizza place and dying. 🙂

Thank you Kris for your today-blog. Perfect timing. Today I feel so sh…. because of my cravings. I was on such a good way with my juices, smoothies, sports aso. But the last 7/8 days I`ve become a big, big hug of emotional eating and a long period of PMS. It makes me feel soooo sad! I know, that I`ve the chance to change everything right now – so I take your tips and – let`s go for!!!

By the way – I am from Good old Germany and I`ve heard about you two years ago – since then I talked with so many people about you, your mission, your way. YOU changed my life in many ways – the RIGHT ways. For this I send you my LOVE and when I am back on my way – the right way – I send you a lot of energy! Take care – Maria

PS: If you need somebody to promote your ideas here in GoG – so please do not hesitate……

Although it is very important to support gut health, the serotonin from your gut does not cross the blood-brain barrier. The 90% gut serotonin is important for hemostasis, i.e. blood clotting, but the central nervous system (CNS) serotonin is formed in the brain and utilized uniquely in the receptors of the basal ganglia.

Hi Theresa, Thank you for your comment! I double checked with our Crazy Sexy RD, Jen Reilly about your comment and here’s what she had to say in response: “The majority of serotonin (90-95%) is produced in the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is embedded in the lining of the GI tract stretching from the espophagus all the way down to the anus. The amount of serotonin produced by the neurons in the ENS is greatly dependent on nutrient absorption and digestion in the gut. Any damage to your gut lining will impede the ENS release of serotonin. Damage could simply result from too much bad bacteria. Keeping your gut healthy is key to producing a healthy level of serotonin for controlling cravings, mood, and even GI disorders.” Hope that helps! xo, kc

Next time I am about to dive into the fridge for some cheese, I will remind myself to drink some water , sit down and meditate (i.e. focus on my breathing) for a few minutes and let my body tell me what is really upsetting me. Thanks for the advice: this makes great sense and will hopefully help me to put an end to my cheese addiction.

I thought I was the only one with cheese cravings! This is stronger than my chocolate urges. It makes sense that it is a gut problem because I have had those issues all my life. My spouse keeps cheese in the house so temptation is always around but knowing why I go out of control will help

This was such a fantastic read. I’ve been reading a lot about this in Alex Jamieson’s Women, Food, and Desire. I like to stop and check in with myself before I start to dive into my craving -ask myself am I hungry or just bored, am I avoiding something at work, etc…. Usually if I am honest with myself I can curb the craving. Thank you, Kris! XO

So true. Boredom is a big one for me. I think not keeping “bad” food in the house is very helpful too!! Thanks we LOVE you! Just ordered your book and can’t wait to start cooking! We love your dirty penne! It’s amazing! My husband loves meat but is becoming addicted to your food!

I just finished the book “ditching diets” by Gillian Riley This book talks about changing our mindset towards food and being honest with yourself about you choices. It gives you the mental side of why we overeat or give into unhealthy food cravings ( when we really don’t want to) . Highly recommend.

pick a go to food: Capers!
No silly, not this one: an activity or escapade, typically one that is illicit or ridiculous.
synonyms: stunt, monkey business, escapade, prank, trick, mischief, foolery, tomfoolery, antics, hijinks, skylarking, lark, shenanigans
“I’m too old for this kind of caper” !

Pick this one: Capers are pickled flower buds. Tiny capers are picked from a shrub-like bush (Capparis spinosa), long before the buds ever flower. The capers are then dried in the sun and later brined or packed in salt.

As Kris said, floss and brush your teeth after eating. I would add, use a strong mouthwash and apply a beautiful shade of lipstick or balm. A wonderful finale!
Also, a tablespoon full of coconut oil or Udo’s blend will stop a sugar craving in its tracks. And sugar cravings amp up if sleep is compromised. Xo

When I get a craving depending on the time I have…I read articles like yours or I listen to a book on tape about eating healthy or I go to FMTV and watch something related to health…anything to motivate me and stay in the health moment and remind me of why I chose healthy.

Changing my mindset and not punishing myself for the cravings or fearing food as bad and good helped tremendously. It lost it’s power over me when I was less in battle against the cravings and more willing to understand the emotional or physical reasons for those cravings in a more objective and accepting way.

Thank you so much for this amazing information. This was a great timely reminder. This article really speaks to me. I struggle with food cravings. I’ve been told by my naturopath that it’s because I’m estrogen dominant. Combine estogen dominance with the information here, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Seriously, food for thought. Thank you, love your work.

These are all fabulous tips and I thank you for sharing. Something I would like to add to the conversation is the concept of “adding in” rather than “taking out.” For me, when I approach the day knowing my goal is to “add in” a full glass of delicious fresh juice, a yummy berry/veggie smoothie, and a salad full of fun stuff like pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and flavored balsamic, for example.. I am much more apt to do it. I find it to be a much more positive approach as compared to telling myself what I “cannot have” or “should stay away from”… If I really want something I’m craving, I first make sure I’ve had my 3 good for me “add-ins” before filling myself on something less nutritious. Hope this slight shift will make a big impact in how someone looks at their food… xo

I love and use the good cup of tea distraction because what I find I am most often craving (especially at work) is a break and tea gives me that.

For my night time after dinner sweet tooth craving I’ve been making my new new go to which is a cup of almond milk, one frozen banana and 2 Table spoons of raw cacao powder. So yummy and I don’t feel guilty about it afterwards, win win 🙂

1. since i joined the YMCA i get an incredible appetite after a workout ,an appetite i havn’t had had for years.the kind i felt as a kid when my dad would whistle for us to come for supper by that time my body is screaming ,”food!” and because its so serious my body is in agreement with getting in healthy stuff fast. so getting good and hungry is my key because at that point when im so aware of the hunger my body is ready for some serious nutrition.{i learned to listen }
2.food selection and prep is also key to have it on hand.if i have cilantra on hand im looking forward to the sunshiney taste it gives my appitite
3.i always try to have some green juice stashed in the freezer in pint jars,if i get a sweet craving i add fruit a nut butter and bee pollan and blend it up in my nutri bullet.ummm.
4. and when i mess up{and not feel well because of it}i dont beat mysef up,i pick up momentum and carry on .

P.S i am one of your B-Schoolers kris !
as i was praying and contemplating taking the class when a funny thing happened …you showed up in my dream ! we hung out and visited the whole night.you were so nice,cool and layed back i took that as my confirmation from the Lord ! i believe this is changing my life from the inside out,but honestly i don’t think i could’ve even begun this journey without reading and rereading Crazy Sexy Diet and green juicing they both changed my life and focus and i believe my calling . so thank-you and God bless you ,laura

Great tips so glad to have read this, I was unaware that it was mostly because of my gut that I crave so much. I loooovvvee chocolate and have found that with adding a bit of cocoa to my smoothie or dark chocolate chips to my almond/coconut mix really helps to satisfy that craving without over indulging.

Fantastic post 🙂 My cravings have really lessened since cleaning up my diet. I quit sugar, no problem but bread and crisps were really hard!! I was constantly hungry before but even that has settled down now as well. Personally I believe my cravings were a sign of ‘addiction’ to some foods, maybe physiological, maybe psychological. I also wonder if the constant hunger was because of an inflamed gut not absorbing nutrients correctly. In any case my mind and body are much healthier and happier x

I’m such a fan of yours since the holiday huddle with Marie Forleo and Danielle LaPorte!

And today’s post is one of my faves so far!

It’s super timely too, as I’m doing my first workshop as a Certified Holistic Health Coach next Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada, eh-h?) and cravings are one of the things I’ll be talking about in my “What’s Your Gut Telling You?” presentation! Your post is one of many amazing, entertaining, and inspirational resources I’m uber thankful for to help me along my path to better health (mine, and that of my clients)!

Hi Kris. I have had sugar cravings all my life which has resulted in some ghastly problems with my body. I have been following you for close to a year now and in this time I have done 4 (21) day detoxes. My last one was by far the best, I started on Boxing Day and into the New Year. I have also changed the way I eat. Mostly fruit & veges, tofu and rice now with the odd piece of meat or fish thrown in. I have to say I no longer have sugar cravings and my body has repaired itself from a life time of problems. Recently I had complete blood tests done and my doctor is so amazed he keeps asking what I am doing. Everything has come back 100% normal except my potassium level is sitting at 5.5 where it should range between 3.5-5.4. I know how to fix this-cut back on my bananas. I want to thank you for coming into my life and making a huge difference. I recommend you to people all the time but they have to want to change first.

Thank you for these great tips and studies!! I have done some journalling when I find myself craving. It often subsides just from the writing. But if I still want something, then I am able to narrow down what it is I am craving–chocolate, sweet, salty/crunchy? Then I find something that will fill that need–chocolate can be satisfied with dates as they both have magnesium, I believe. Sweet can be satisfied by some fruit. And for salty crunchy I usually turn to celery.

Like others here, I have had the candida situation. The cravings are definitely out of control when the candida is running rampant!

I find that a glass of water with 1/2 lemon helps cravings. I have a glass first thing in the morning, and it has made a huge difference. Plus it is very refreshing. Water should be at room temperature.

Hello I just recently registered to receive your emails and just wanted to say I love it…love all the tips, advice, recipes and the animal info….my new favourite website!!!
Kris I wish I could meet you in person, because I think you have a great sense of humour…you would be fun to hang out with.

This piece was great- I enjoyed reading it. However, I am on a journey to recover from an eating disorder- binge eating is my current problem- and I feel like I can’t even make these healthy steps in the right direction. I have such an emotional connection to food that I want to break. Does anyone have any advice or words of positivity for me? I am so used to staying silent about my ED that Ive no support system…

I see postings where some have talked about ways they were able to get rid of eczema and other issues they may have had. I have a teenage son who has acne and i would like to know if some of this problem stems from his diet or what’s in his “gut?” I’m about to order him some products to help with the outer portion of the acne that he’s dealing with, but if there’s something I can give to him that will help the internal of it, what do you suggest?

My son has acne caused by Candida also. The dermatologist put him on antibiotics and a pill specifically for Candida, also a topical cream. These antibiotics did not help much, so I stopped them. I now give him Probiotics (Jarrow 50 billion avail on Amazon) and cut the sugar out of his diet. He drinks only water and milk. I would like to get him off the milk, but he’s stubborn. His acne has cleared up quite a bit. Swimming in a chlorine pool or Jacuzzi helps quite bit. Best of luck.

I tend to crave foods most when I am stressed, upset, or burnt out. This past week our little one was in the hospital and there was high stress and almost no sleep. (Not to mention no gym and lots of sitting.) I comforted myself with all kinds of junk, including diet soda and meat. After only 1 week I am struggling to get back on track, I guess because the junk food makes me feel better, even if it’s temporary. What do I do, now I have slid all the way down the slope?